Alegeh faults executive control of judiciary’s fund

Former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president Augustine Alegeh (SAN) has called for an amendment of 1999 Constitution to grant financial autonomy to the judiciary. According to him, executive control of the judiciary’s finances endangers democracy.

Alegeh, who delivered the first Edo State University’s Founder’s Day Lecture titled: Strengthening democracy in Nigeria: the role of the Judiciary, said the judiciary could not continue to depend on the executive. Sections 81, 84, 121 & 162 of the 1999 Constitution, Alegeh said, make financial provisions for the judiciary.

“The provisions are supposed to give the judiciary financial autonomy and full control over its own funds. However, these provisions appear couched in a manner that creates issues of compliance. Financial autonomy of the judiciary is the bedrock for a dynamic and pragmatic judiciary. The executive is advised not to engage in any action that would undermine the financial autonomy of the judiciary.

“There is need for the provisions of the 1999 Constitution to be amended to give a more definitive provision for how funds due to the judiciary are to be determined and ascertained. A nation with a strengthened and vibrant judiciary will witness a renewed confidence by the citizenry in the justice delivery system, a reduction in crime rate, a decongestion of the prisons as well as increase in the revenue generation of the states. All these will strengthen our democracy,” Alegeh said.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof Emmanuel Aluyor, said the university’s vision was to become a center of excellence in teaching, research, innovations and community development adding that the National Universities’ Commission (NUC), on January 18, after a successful verification exercise of the university, approved additional programmes in engineering, medicine, basic medical sciences and mass communication.

Also at the event were the Deputy Govermor, Philip Shaibu, who represented Governor Godwin Obaseki, former Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, Chairman of the University Governing Council, Prof. Pat Utomi, among others.